Airman First Class John Levitow was loadmaster on an AC-47 gunship on a mission near Long Binh Army Post on the night of February 24, 1969 when his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire. The enemy fire penetrated the skin of the AC-47, wounding half the crew and causing the aircraft to go out of control. As the AC-47 was buffeted about, it released and activated an aerial flare within the airplane. Though badly and painfully wounded, Airman Levitow dragged himself forward, fell on the smoking flare and then hurled it from the aircraft just before it ignited. His quick and decisive action at the risk of his own life saved the airplane and the lives of his comrades.